Now picture this: you’ve finally convinced the big boss to send your team to INBOUND18 – that whirlwind of marketing magic in Boston.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time at #INBOUND18

Flights booked hotel rooms secured the countdown’s on… but don’t just coast into this incredible opportunity.

A little planning goes a long way trust me I’ve seen enough business trips to know! Think of it as prepping for a delicious feast – you wouldn’t just show up famished and grab whatever’s closest would you?

Table of Contents

1. Setting Your Sights: Defining Goals Before You Go

Before you even pack your suitcase (and trust me a good comfortable pair of shoes is ESSENTIAL) get your team together. What are your real goals for this shindig? Are you aiming to snag new clients forge strategic partnerships soak up the latest marketing wisdom or maybe just network with industry titans? Don’t just say “networking” though – get specific. What KIND of connections are you hoping to make?

Maybe you’re a small team with a tight budget – even more reason to make this investment worthwhile! Laying out clear objectives isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring you’re not wandering aimlessly wasting precious time and resources.

This isn’t a vacation; it’s a business mission my friend.

Drilling Down: Measurable Objectives

Think SMART goals here people: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant and Time-bound.

Vague intentions like “make connections” are useless.

Instead aim for something like “secure three meetings with potential affiliate marketing partners who are in the sustainable energy sector” or “gather actionable insights from at least five sessions on AI-driven content marketing that can be directly implemented within the next quarter”. See the difference? It’s night and day.

Now if your team’s goal is less business-focused and more about “let’s have a good time at these after parties” then you need to be honest about that too and maybe even build that into your plan! It’s ok to enjoy yourself even at a business event! Just make sure you balance the fun with productive activities. That means setting aside specific time slots for networking or attending sessions.

2. Pre-Event Buzz: Spreading the Word

goals are set.

Now how about creating some pre-event hype? Don’t be a wallflower! Get your company’s name out there before you even set foot in Boston.

Check our top articles on 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time at #INBOUND18

You might be thinking “Why bother? We’re going that’s enough!” But think of it this way: You’re already paying to attend why not maximize your return?

Content is King (and Queen!): A Multi-Platform Approach

Start with a blog post – a great way to build excitement and establish your presence.

This is a chance to show your expertise generate some buzz and hint at what you’ll be up to at INBOUND18. This works perfectly for pre-event engagement.

Maybe even tease some of the topics you’ll be discussing during your time at the conference.

Next get visual! Craft some enticing social media graphics and promotional images.

Remember people are visual creatures! Include clear calls to action – inviting people to connect with you in Boston.

Don’t forget the email marketing – a well-crafted email to your client list and other contacts is a great way to reach out and set the stage.

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Consider live content! Think Facebook Lives Instagram Stories – use any platform you can to create short engaging clips with event speakers or influencers.

Use those stories to remind people about your attendance and invite any followers in the area to reach out and network! This creates an atmosphere of transparency and authenticity showing the audience that you’re genuine.

3. The INBOUND18 Information Overload: Staying Informed

Large-scale events are dynamic things and plans can change rapidly.

New speakers venue shifts surprise networking events – you need to stay on top of things.

And that’s where smart social media listening comes into play!

Social Listening: Your Secret Weapon

Utilize a social listening tool to monitor the event hashtag (#INBOUND18 – though it might be a bit dated now the principle applies!). It will help you stay up-to-date with event news and identify relevant conversations to track. This way you’ll always stay informed on the latest information and developments surrounding the event.

This also aids in pre-event research.

Identify key influencers gauge attendee sentiment and anticipate topics of discussion.

You want to be present – that’s much more powerful than just “attending”. Use what you find to refine your approach and maximize your time.

And don’t forget the post-event analysis.

Compile your social media listening data and track trends.

Turn this into a blog post or a PDF report showcasing your insights.

It’s a great way to prove your attendance’s value – not just a fun trip but a source of valuable data and knowledge.

4. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (and Maximizes Inbound!)

INBOUND18 offered a mountain of sessions all happening simultaneously.

Impossible to do it all my friend! That’s where dividing and conquering your team comes in.

Split the sessions attend different talks and learn diverse things.

The key is to share.

Knowledge Sharing: A Post-Event Ritual

After each day hold a debrief.

Share your key learnings over coffee lunch or even a celebratory dinner.

This allows the team to share the most relevant information and gain a wider view of the conference.

This should also be expanded to those team members who were unable to attend providing a comprehensive overview of the key insights.

This collaborative approach is invaluable.

It ensures that everyone benefits from the event even if they didn’t attend.

Consider creating a more formal follow-up presentation or report that summarizes the key takeaways and insights allowing you to share knowledge even more widely within the organization.

5. The Human Touch: Making Connections That Last

In our increasingly digital world the face-to-face element of events is still golden.

Don’t let your digital interactions overshadow those personal connections.

Beyond the Digital: Meaningful Interactions

Give people a lasting reminder of your interaction – a business card a well-designed pen something thoughtful and memorable.

In a sea of tote bags find something unique to give away – think outside the box!

And most importantly remember that this isn’t a numbers game; it’s about quality.

Focus on building genuine connections rather than just collecting business cards.

Aim for meaningful conversations and genuine engagement instead of just rushing from person to person.

So there you have it – five ways to not just attend INBOUND18 (or any big event) but to truly conquer it. Remember it’s all about preparation clear goals smart networking and a touch of human warmth. Good luck and let me know how it goes! I’m always eager to hear from fellow business travelers!